LSU Faces NC State in Sweet 16 Showdown in Spokane

Spokane, WA – LSU will battle NC State in a gripping Sweet 16 matchup of the NCAA Women’s Tournament on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Spokane Arena. The third-seeded Tigers (30-5) are aiming for their third consecutive regional final appearance against the second-seeded Wolfpack (28-6).

This matchup marks the fourth time in five seasons that NC State, the co-regular season champion from the ACC, has reached the Sweet 16. The Wolfpack cruised into this round by defeating Vermont and Michigan State with a combined score margin of 54 points, showing their dominance in the early rounds of the tournament.

On the other hand, LSU enters this game riding the momentum from a 101-71 blowout win over Florida State in the second round. The Tigers overcame a close first half, outscoring FSU 51-22 in the second half. Head coach Kim Mulkey’s squad is determined to add to their success, as they’ve made the Sweet 16 for the third straight season.

“Every game is a new challenge, but we’re ready. Our focus is sharp, and we have our eyes set on winning,” said Mulkey after their recent victory.

LSU is currently favored in the matchup, with a spread of 3.5 points according to ESPN Analytics. The over/under for the game stands at 153.5 points, highlighting expectations for a high-paced offensive showdown.

When these two teams faced each other earlier in the season, LSU emerged victorious with an impressive 82-55 win during the Battle 4 Atlantis in Nassau, Bahamas. The Tigers lead the all-time series against NC State, holding a 3-1 advantage.

The star power in this game is palpable, with LSU looking to lean on their standout performances, especially from forward Johnson, who aims to neutralize NC State’s leading scorer, Aziaha James. James, who dropped 26 points in her last game against Michigan State, is a critical player for the Wolfpack’s success.

Fans can catch this electrifying matchup live on ESPN, with streaming options available through services such as March Madness Live. The encounter promises to be thrilling, as both teams aim for a spot in the Elite Eight.

The game’s significance is further enhanced as both teams vie for advancement in a tournament setting where every victory counts. As Mulkey noted, “This is what we play for – the thrill of the tournament and the chance to compete for a championship.”

As anticipation builds, both teams are set to bring their best performances to the court in what is sure to be a memorable game in Spokane.